Olema Campground is the Best Last-Minute Campground to Book in the Bay Area with Kids
Are you looking for the best last-minute campground close to the East Bay Area? Look no further than Olema Campground, a private campground just minutes away from Point Reyes Station and the Point Reyes National Seashore.
We love this campground because it almost always seems to have available campsites when I am trying to book a camping trip within a month of our desired travel date.
Spend the weekend seeing the wildlife around you in Point Reyes from your easy-to-book and conveniently located campsite. Below are a few reasons why we always stay at Olema Campground at least once per year, and a few tips we’ve learned in our many visits.
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Getting There
Olema Campground is located in Olema, CA – a one hour drive north of the San Francisco Bay area or one hour west of Napa, CA.
Beware of commuter traffic in the early mornings and late afternoons.
The drive to the coast can be windy, with sharp turns and steep drop offs. Bring ginger chews or throw-up bags for sensitive passengers.
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Costs
| base cost | |
|---|---|
| Campground reservations are $57-85/night for a tent site with two occupants and one car | |
| Add $5 per additional camper and car. | |
| Add-Ons | |
| Meals from town (if not bringing your own) | |
Quick Tips
Before You go
- Reserve a campsite. Check out their websites or call to reserve. See below for our favorite campsites to book.
- Book two sites together for a larger group. Each campsite allows a max of six people. Book two campsites together to benefit from the greatest amount of shared space.
- Check-in is at 1pm, and check-out is at noon
What To Pack
- Camping essentials (tent, sleeping bags, pillows, firewood)
- Standard diaper bag essentials
- Sunscreen and hats, Wagon
- S’mores ingredients and roasting sticks
- A cooler with food for dinner and breakfast
- Baby carrier
- Fun campground activities (butterfly wings, bubbles, etc)
6 Tips to get the most of your trip
Olema Campground has 107 tent and 87 RV camp sites, clean bathrooms, and a playground. It is a great place to take kids!
Check in at the camp store
You will need to check in at the front desk located inside the camp store when you arrive at the campsite. Be aware that there may be a line. While you’re there, grab any last-minute snacks, camping items (limited selection), or firewood.
There is also a laundry facility next door to the camp store. I would only use this if in a pinch.
Book a campsite in the Fir or Elm loops
If you have an option when you book, I recommend reserving a campsite in the Fir or Elm loops (see a campground map here).
The campsites in these two loops are our favorites because they feel more spread out, have trees to add separation between the sites, are bordered by the Olema Creek to the west, are close to the bathrooms and, because of the nature of the cul-de-sac, have very little traffic. We even recently enjoyed a rare sighting of the northern lights from the comfort of our camp fire!
If you’re unable to reserve one of those sites, just be aware that the tent sites in the 100 Meadow and 300-400 area are closer together with very little privacy.
Take advantage of the amenities
Camping at Olema doesn’t feel too much like you’re “roughing it”—there is warm running water, free showers, a dishwashing station, and even a compost bucket! Be sure to take advantage of these amenities with your family.
One of our favorite things to do at Olema Campground is bring our bikes for a ride through the gravelly loops.
Visit the playground
The small campground playground is only for campsite guests. Our kiddos loved sliding down the slides and playing in both the bigger and smaller playground structures.
The playground is fenced to keep little bodies inside and a short walking distance from all campsites.
Be aware of extra fees
The campsite cost ranges from $57-$79 per night depending on the site.
Even though the campsite capacity is 6 people and two cars, the base campsite cost only includes two campers and one car. There is an extra charge for each person over two years old ($5 per person) and for each vehicle ($5 per vehicle).
Be aware of these extra fees in case you have a slightly bigger party.
Visit the nearby towns
I know, I know, just the mere fact that you packed up your family and managed to get settled at the campground deserves a gold star.
If you are curious to venture beyond the campground, check out our post about our favorite things to do at Point Reyes. For example, there is delicious buffalo milk ice cream at the Point Reyes Market, and many hiking trails and beaches to explore at Point Reyes National Seashore. There is so much to do!
Where to eat in Point Reyes with kids
Palace Market
We usually pick up fresh & kid-approved sandwiches at Palace Market before venturing out to the Point Reyes National Seashore. Once you’re inside, head straight to the deli in the back. to order.
When you go to the check-out stands with sandwiches in-hand, be sure to also order a buffalo milk soft-serve for the silkiest treat. The market also has other must-have items, like chips, diapers, and s’mores ingredients, depending on your needs.
Inverness Park Market
Stop at the Inverness Park Market on your long drive down the Point Reyes peninsula to pick up gourmet sandwiches, soup, and drinks.
This little market is a great place to stock up on picnic items in Inverness along the drive to start exploring the surrounding area.
Café Reyes
As you turn left into Point Reyes Station along HWY 1, you can’t miss the large outdoor patio and signs for Café Reyes.
They serve wood fired pizza, fresh local oysters, and a myriad of drinks on large picnic benches with umbrellas.
History Corner
The town of Olema where the campground is located was named after the Coast Miwok Village of Olemaloke, which means Coyote Village. There were over 110 Miwok villages in the Point Reyes Peninsula alone before the logging industry and white settlers took over the area along the Inverness ridge in the 1800s.
Our Experience
We were one of many families of color camping at Olema Campground. We felt safe and welcomed by staff.
Learn More
Point Reyes National Seashore has partnered with the Coast Miwok people through the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria to host events and learning opportunities throughout the year. I appreciate how they have established a partnership with the rightful owners of the land in which the park is located.
- Check out the National Park Visitor Center to learn more.
- Donate to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
Antiracist Travel Considerations
Final Thoughts
Olema Campground is one of our favorite campsites to recommend to families with little kids because it is a short drive from the East Bay Area, likely to have available sites to book within a month of your desired departure date, and is the perfect jumping off point to further explore Point Reyes. The campsite itself isn’t the most scenic, but the location—just minutes from the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore—cannot be beat.
Have you checked out Olema Campground? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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